Centering mechanism and transfer device

Abstract

To passively perform centering by a mutual action with a transfer product without using an actuator and a control device.SOLUTION: A centering mechanism 1 comprises a first output part 3 and a second output part 4 which are movably arranged at one and the other side, an energization part 5 for energizing the first output part 3 and the second output part 4 so as to be mutually moved to one and the other side, interlock means 6 for making the movement of the first output part 3 and the second output part 4 interlocked with each other, and regulation means 7 for regulating the movement by friction when the movement of either of the first output part 3 and the second output part 4 is excessively large.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a centering mechanism and a conveying device. [Background technology]

[0002] For example, Patent Document 1 shows a center gauge. In this center gauge, a pair of arms are provided on a base so that they can be protruded and retracted in opposite directions from the base, and the base ends of these arms are linked within the base via a synchronization mechanism, the tips of both arms are pulled out from the base, and paper is sandwiched between standing pieces provided upright at the tips of the arms to determine the center of the paper.

[0003] For example, Patent Document 2 shows a differential limiting device. In this differential limiting device, when the left and right wheels rotate at the same speed and the wheel load is the same, the helical gear does not rotate, but when a speed difference occurs, the helical gear rotates and a thrust force is generated. In addition, when a thrust force is generated in this differential limiting device, the helical gear itself is pressed against the differential case, suppressing the rotation of the helical gear. As a result, when the difference in wheel load becomes extreme due to one wheel lifting, etc., and the speed difference between the left and right wheels becomes large, the thrust force also becomes large and the helical gear cannot rotate, and the differential lock is activated, which loses the torque distribution function of the differential, thereby preventing the wheels from spinning. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0004] [Patent Document 1] JP 2004-009234 A [Patent Document 2] JP 2000-291778 A Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0005] Meanwhile, in transport lines for logistics and production processes, a centering mechanism is required to transport objects at a predetermined position. If the size of the objects is constant, the centering mechanism can passively center the objects by pressing them against the guide using the transport force of the transport line, by providing a guide that is slightly wider than the size of the objects. On the other hand, when more precise centering is required or when the size of the objects is not constant, the centering mechanism generally uses an actuator to drive the opening and closing mechanism.

[0006] However, a centering mechanism that uses an opening / closing mechanism and an actuator requires a control device to control the actuator, and there is a problem that the conveying line must be stopped if the actuator breaks down. In addition, the use of actuators has disadvantages such as increased costs and complicated control and wiring. Therefore, a centering mechanism that can perform passive centering through interaction with the conveyed object without using an actuator or control device is desired.

[0007] In addition, in a centering mechanism having two outputs that constitute an opening and closing mechanism, it is desirable to passively change the load so that each output is equalized for centering.

[0008] The present disclosure has been made in consideration of the above-mentioned problems, and aims to provide a centering mechanism and a conveying device that can perform passive centering through interaction with the transported object, without using an actuator or a control device. [Means for solving the problem]

[0009] In order to achieve the above-mentioned object, a centering mechanism according to one embodiment of the present disclosure includes a first output section and a second output section that are movably provided in one direction and the other, a biasing section that biases the first output section and the second output section to move relative to one side or the other, a linking means that links the movements of the first output section and the second output section, and a regulating means that, when the movement of either the first output section or the second output section is excessive, restricts the movement by friction.

[0010] As a desirable aspect of the above-mentioned centering mechanism, the interlocking means includes first rack teeth provided on the first output section, second rack teeth provided on the second output section and arranged parallel to and opposite the first rack teeth, and a pinion gear that meshes with the first rack teeth and the second rack teeth, and the regulating means includes a support shaft portion that enables the pinion gear to rotate and slide in association with the sliding movement of the first rack teeth and the second rack teeth, and a braking portion that applies a frictional force to the pinion gear when the pinion gear slides and comes into contact with the support shaft portion.

[0011] In a preferred embodiment of the centering mechanism, the unit of the pinion gear, the support shaft portion, and the brake portion is provided in a plurality of units.

[0012] As a desirable aspect of the above-mentioned centering mechanism, the interlocking means includes a first wire having one end connected to the first output portion and a first pulley that guides the first wire, a second wire having one end connected to the second output portion and a second pulley that guides the second wire, a connecting member to which the other ends of the first wire and the second wire are connected, and a rod-shaped support portion that supports the connecting member so that it can slide, and the regulating means includes a braking portion that applies a frictional force to the movement of the connecting member when it comes into contact with the support portion.

[0013] In a preferred embodiment of the centering mechanism, the centering mechanism includes a plurality of the first pulleys and the second pulleys.

[0014] In order to achieve the above-mentioned objective, a conveying device of one embodiment of the present disclosure includes the above-mentioned centering mechanism, a conveying path for conveying an object to be conveyed, and a guide member attached to the first output portion and the second output portion of the centering mechanism and arranged so as to be able to abut against the object to be conveyed on both sides of the conveying path. Effect of the Invention

[0015] According to the present disclosure, centering can be performed passively through interaction with the transported object, without the use of actuators and control devices. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0016] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram illustrating a configuration example of a centering mechanism according to the first embodiment. [Diagram 2] FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram illustrating the operation of the centering mechanism of the first embodiment. [Diagram 3] FIG. 3 is a schematic diagram illustrating the operation of the centering mechanism of the first embodiment. [Figure 4] FIG. 4 is a schematic diagram illustrating the operation of the centering mechanism of the first embodiment. [Diagram 5] FIG. 5 is a schematic diagram illustrating another configuration example of the centering mechanism according to the first embodiment. [Figure 6] FIG. 6 is a front view showing a transport device to which the centering mechanism of the embodiment is applied. [Figure 7] FIG. 7 is a plan view showing a transport device to which the centering mechanism of the embodiment is applied. [Figure 8] FIG. 8 is a schematic diagram illustrating a configuration example of the centering mechanism according to the second embodiment. [Figure 9] FIG. 9 is a schematic diagram illustrating the operation of the centering mechanism of the second embodiment. [Figure 10] FIG. 10 is a schematic diagram illustrating the operation of the centering mechanism of the second embodiment. [Figure 11] FIG. 11 is a schematic diagram showing another configuration example of the centering mechanism according to the second embodiment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0017] Hereinafter, the embodiments for carrying out the invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings. Note that the present invention is not limited to the following embodiments. Furthermore, the components in the following embodiments include those that a person skilled in the art can easily imagine, those that are substantially the same, and those that are within the so-called equivalent range. Furthermore, the components disclosed in the following embodiments can be appropriately combined.

[0018] The centering mechanism of the embodiment is suitable for centering and alignment in a transport line of a transport device such as a conveyor, and is particularly useful in a transport line where workpieces (transported objects) of different sizes are mixed.

[0019] [Embodiment 1] 1, the centering mechanism 1 mainly includes a first output unit 3, a second output unit 4, a biasing unit 5, an interlocking means 6, and a restricting means 7. In the centering mechanism 1, the first output unit 3, the second output unit 4, the biasing unit 5, the interlocking means 6, and the restricting means 7 are provided with respect to a frame 2.

[0020] The first output section 3 and the second output section 4 are provided on the frame 2 so as to be movable in one direction and the other direction. The first output section 3 and the second output section 4 are formed in a rod shape, and are provided so as to be slidable via a bush 8 fixed to the frame 2. In the centering mechanism 1 of the embodiment, the first output section 3 and the second output section 4 are arranged extending in a parallel relationship, and are provided so as to be movable in one direction and the other direction along which they extend. The first output section 3 and the second output section 4 operate so that when they move in a direction away from each other (direction A in FIG. 1: also referred to as one direction), their protrusions from the respective sides of the frame 2 extend, and when they move in a direction approaching each other (direction B in FIG. 1: also referred to as the other direction), their protrusions from the respective sides of the frame 2 contract.

[0021] The biasing portion 5 biases the first output portion 3 and the second output portion 4 to move one way or the other relative to each other. In the centering mechanism 1 of the embodiment, the biasing portion 5 biases the first output portion 3 and the second output portion 4 to move one way or the other relative to each other.

[0022] The biasing portion 5 includes a first biasing portion 5A and a second biasing portion 5B. The first biasing portion 5A biases the first output portion 3 to move in the other direction. The first biasing portion 5A is configured as a compression coil spring arranged to insert the first output portion 3, and is provided between a ring-shaped fixed member 9 fixed to the other end of the first output portion 3 and a bush 8. The first biasing portion 5A biases the first output portion 3 to move in the other direction by pushing the fixed member 9 by elastic force via the bush 8 fixed to the frame 2.

[0023] The second biasing portion 5B biases the second output portion 4 to move in the other direction. The second biasing portion 5B is configured as a compression coil spring arranged to insert the second output portion 4, and is provided between a ring-shaped fixed member 9 fixed to the other end of the second output portion 4 and a bush 8. The second biasing portion 5B biases the second output portion 4 to move in the other direction by pushing the fixed member 9 by elastic force via the bush 8 fixed to the frame 2.

[0024] The interlocking means 6 interlocks the movements of the first output portion 3 and the second output portion 4. In the centering mechanism 1 of the embodiment, the interlocking means 6 includes first rack teeth 6A, second rack teeth 6B, and a pinion gear 6C.

[0025] The first rack teeth 6A are connected to the other end of the first output section 3, and the meshing teeth 6Aa are provided along the movement direction of the first output section 3. Therefore, the first rack teeth 6A can move to one side or the other together with the first output section 3, and is biased by the first biasing section 5A to move to the other side. The movement of the first rack teeth 6A is smoothly guided by a flat portion without the meshing teeth 6Aa coming into contact with a support roller 10 rotatably provided on the frame 2. The support roller 10 also has the function of receiving a moment load in the torsional direction that may occur on the first rack teeth 6A.

[0026] The second rack teeth 6B are connected to the other end of the second output section 4, and the meshing teeth 6Ba are provided along the moving direction of the second output section 4. Therefore, the second rack teeth 6B can move to one side or the other together with the second output section 4, and are biased to move to the other side by the second biasing section 5B. The second rack teeth 6B are smoothly guided in its movement by contacting a flat portion without the meshing teeth 6Ba with a support roller 10 rotatably provided on the frame 2. The support roller 10 also has a function of receiving a moment load in the torsional direction that may occur on the second rack teeth 6B. The meshing teeth 6Aa of the first rack teeth 6A and the meshing teeth 6Ba of the second rack teeth 6B are in a positional relationship in which they face each other.

[0027] The pinion gear 6C meshes with the first rack teeth 6A and the second rack teeth 6B. That is, the meshing teeth 6Ca on the outer periphery of the pinion gear 6C mesh with the meshing teeth 6Aa of the first rack teeth 6A and the meshing teeth 6Ba of the second rack teeth 6B. The pinion gear 6C is supported rotatably with respect to the frame 2. If it is necessary to support the rotation of the pinion gear 6C in the axial direction, a lubricated part such as a thrust bearing may be inserted between the pinion gear 6C and the frame 2.

[0028] Therefore, when either the first rack teeth 6A or the second rack teeth 6B moves, the interlocking means 6 rotates the pinion gear 6C to move both the first rack teeth 6A and the second rack teeth 6B together, interlocking the movements of the first output unit 3 and the second output unit 4 to one side or the other. Also, when the first rack teeth 6A and the second rack teeth 6B move together, the interlocking means 6 rotates the pinion gear 6C to move both the first rack teeth 6A and the second rack teeth 6B together. For example, as shown in FIG. 2, when the first output unit 3 (first rack teeth 6A) moves in one direction (direction A), the interlocking means 6 rotates the pinion gear 6C in direction A' to move the second output unit 4 (second rack teeth 6B) in one direction (direction A). 2, when the second output section 4 (second rack teeth 6B) moves in one direction (A direction), the interlocking means 6 rotates the pinion gear 6C in the A' direction, and moves the first output section 3 (first rack teeth 6A) in one direction (A direction). When the first output section 3 (first rack teeth 6A) and the second output section 4 (second rack teeth 6B) move in one direction (A direction), the interlocking means 6 rotates the pinion gear 6C in the A' direction, and moves both the first output section 3 (first rack teeth 6A) and the second output section 4 (second rack teeth 6B) in one direction (A direction). In addition, in the natural state, the first rack teeth 6A and the second rack teeth 6B are biased by the biasing section 5 (5A, 5B) to move in the other direction (B direction), but the movement is restricted when the ends of the other direction (B direction) abut against the frame 2.

[0029] The restricting means 7 restricts excessive movement of either the first output portion 3 or the second output portion 4 by friction. In the centering mechanism 1 of the embodiment, the restricting means 7 includes a support shaft portion 7A and a brake portion 7B.

[0030] The support shaft portion 7A allows the pinion gear 6C to rotate and slide. The support shaft portion 7A is fixed to the frame 2. The support shaft portion 7A has an arc-shaped outer peripheral surface on one side and the other side on which at least the first output portion 3 and the second output portion 4 move. The support shaft portion 7A is inserted with play into a circular hole 7C formed in the center of the pinion gear 6C. Therefore, the support shaft portion 7A allows the pinion gear 6C to rotate by preventing interference with the circular hole 7C of the pinion gear 6C with its outer peripheral surface. In addition, the support shaft portion 7A allows the pinion gear 6C to slide due to the play between its outer peripheral surface and the inner peripheral surface of the circular hole 7C.

[0031] Braking portion 7B is provided to constitute the outer peripheral surface of support shaft portion 7A. When braking portion 7B comes into contact with the inner peripheral surface of circular hole 7C of pinion gear 6C, braking portion 7B applies a frictional force to pinion gear 6C, thereby braking the rotational movement of pinion gear 6C.

[0032] Therefore, as shown in FIG. 3, when there is a difference in the amount of movement between the first output portion 3 (first rack teeth 6A) and the second output portion 4 (second rack teeth 6B) and the second output portion 4 (second rack teeth 6B) moves excessively in one direction (direction A), the pinion gear 6C moves in the same direction, α, in proportion to the difference. As a result, the inner peripheral surface of the circular hole 7C of the pinion gear 6C comes into contact with the outer peripheral surface of the support shaft portion 7A, and the second output portion 4 (second rack teeth 6B) is restricted from moving further in one direction (direction A). At this time, the first rack teeth 6A and the second rack teeth 6B meshing with the pinion gear 6C are restricted from moving in a direction that widens the difference in the amount of movement, and can only move in a direction that narrows the difference in the amount of movement. Furthermore, the restriction means 7 prevents the pinion gear 6C from rotating on the spot while the brake portion 7B slides against the inner peripheral surface of the circular hole 7C of the pinion gear 6C.

[0033] Thereafter, the movement in a direction that would increase the difference in the amount of movement between the first rack teeth 6A and the second rack teeth 6B is restricted, so that the amount of movement between the first output portion 3 (first rack teeth 6A) and the second output portion 4 (second rack teeth 6B) becomes equal. As shown in FIG. 4, the restricting means 7 allows the first output portion 3 (first rack teeth 6A) to move in one direction (A direction), which causes the pinion gear 6C to move in the same direction, β direction, and the inner circumferential surface of the circular hole 7C of the pinion gear 6C moves away from the braking portion 7B. This series of operations allows the pinion gear 6C to rotate in the A' direction, and the amount of movement between the first output portion 3 (first rack teeth 6A) and the second output portion 4 (second rack teeth 6B) is passively controlled to become equal.

[0034] Incidentally, the centering mechanism 1' shown in FIG. 5 is configured such that a plurality of pinion gears 6C (two in the embodiment) are provided in the interlocking means 6. This centering mechanism 1' is configured such that each pinion gear 6C is made rotatable and slidable by the support shaft portion 7A in the regulating means 7, and is braked by the brake portion 7B. With this configuration, the centering mechanism 1' has an increased number of support points for the first rack teeth 6A and the second rack teeth 6B, enabling more stable sliding movement throughout the entire movable range. The other configurations of the centering mechanism 1' are the same as those of the centering mechanism 1, and the same reference numerals are used to designate the similar configurations, and the description thereof will be omitted. Therefore, the centering mechanism 1' includes a plurality of units each including a pinion gear 6C, a support shaft portion 7A, and a brake portion 7B.

[0035] 6 and 7 show a conveying device 51 to which the above-mentioned centering mechanisms 1, 1' are applied. The conveying device 51 includes a conveying path 54 for conveying an object 50, and guide members 52, 53 attached to the first output section 3 and the second output section 4 of the centering mechanisms 1, 1' and arranged so as to be able to come into contact with the object 50 on both sides of the conveying path 54.

[0036] In the embodiment, the conveying path 54 is a belt conveyor, which constitutes a conveying line for conveying the object 50. The conveying path 54 has at least a pair of rollers 54A along the conveying direction of the object 50, and an endless belt 54B is wound around each roller 54A. The pair of rollers 54A are supported by a shaft 54Aa rotatably relative to a stand 54C. At least one of the pair of rollers 54A is rotated by a driving mechanism (not shown). In the conveying path 54, the belt 54B circulates via the pair of rollers 54A as the rollers 54A rotate, and conveys the object 50 sent onto the belt 54B.

[0037] In the conveying device 51, the guide members 52, 53 are biased toward the center C by the centering mechanisms 1, 1', and the conveyed object 50 conveyed to the conveying path 54 comes into contact with the guide members 52, 53, and is passively guided toward the center C.

[0038] In addition, the conveying device 51 in the embodiment is shown as being configured such that the centering mechanism 1, 1' is provided between two conveying paths 54, as shown in FIG. 7, but it may also be configured such that the centering mechanism 1, 1' is provided midway along one conveying path 54.

[0039] In the above-described centering mechanisms 1, 1', the first output portion 3 and the second output portion 4 are biased by the biasing portion 5 so as to slide in the other direction (direction B), but they may be biased so as to slide in one direction (direction A). In this case, although not shown in the figures, centering is performed by guiding the first output portion 3 and the second output portion 4 so as to enter a recess in the transported object and push them outward.

[0040] As described above, the centering mechanism 1, 1' of the embodiment includes a first output section 3 and a second output section 4 that are movably arranged in one direction and the other, a biasing section 5 that biases the first output section 3 and the second output section 4 to move in one direction or the other relative to each other, a linking means 6 that links the movements of the first output section 3 and the second output section 4, and a regulating means 7 that regulates the movement of either the first output section 3 or the second output section 4 by friction when the movement is excessive.

[0041] According to this centering mechanism 1, 1', when the movement of either the first output section 3 or the second output section 4 is excessive, the movement is restricted by friction, and the biased positions of the first output section 3 and the second output section 4 are passively controlled to equalize the amount of movement of the first output section 3 and the second output section 4. As a result, the centering mechanism 1, 1' of the embodiment can passively change the load so that the two outputs are equal, and can guide the transported object 50 toward the center C, so that passive centering can be performed by interaction with the transported object without using an actuator or a control device.

[0042] In addition, in the centering mechanisms 1, 1' of the embodiments, the interlocking means 6 includes first rack teeth 6A provided on the first output section 3, second rack teeth 6B provided on the second output section 4 and arranged parallel to and facing the first rack teeth 6A, and a pinion gear 6C that meshes with the first rack teeth 6A and the second rack teeth 6B, and the regulating means 7 includes a support shaft portion 7A that enables the pinion gear 6C to rotate and slide in association with the sliding movement of the first rack teeth 6A and the second rack teeth 6B, and a braking portion 7B that applies a frictional force to the pinion gear 6C when the pinion gear 6C slides and comes into contact with the support shaft portion 7A.

[0043] The centering mechanisms 1, 1' can realize a function of linking the two outputs and a function of restricting the movement of either output by friction when the movement is excessive.

[0044] Moreover, the centering mechanism 1' of this embodiment includes a plurality of units each including a pinion gear 6C, a support shaft portion 7A, and a brake portion 7B.

[0045] This centering mechanism 1' increases the number of support points for each output, enabling stable sliding movement over the entire movable range.

[0046] Furthermore, the conveying device 51 of the embodiment is provided with the centering mechanisms 1, 1', so that the article 50 can be passively guided to the center C and conveyed.

[0047] [Embodiment 2] In the following second embodiment, the same parts as those in the above-mentioned first embodiment are denoted by the same reference numerals.

[0048] 8, the centering mechanism 21 mainly includes a first output unit 3, a second output unit 4, a biasing unit 5, an interlocking means 6, and a restricting means 7. In the centering mechanism 1, the first output unit 3, the second output unit 4, the biasing unit 5, the interlocking means 6, and the restricting means 7 are provided to the frame 2.

[0049] The first output section 3 and the second output section 4 are provided on the frame 2 so as to be movable in one direction and the other direction. The first output section 3 and the second output section 4 are formed in a rod shape and provided so as to be slidable via a bush 8 fixed to the frame 2. In the centering mechanism 21 of the embodiment, the first output section 3 and the second output section 4 are arranged extending in a straight line and provided so as to be movably provided in one direction and the other direction of the extension. The first output section 3 and the second output section 4 operate so that when they move in a direction away from each other (direction A in FIG. 8: also called one side), the protrusions from each side of the frame 2 extend, and when they move in a direction approaching each other (direction B in FIG. 8: also called the other side), the protrusions from each side of the frame 2 contract. When the first output section 3 and the second output section 4 move in a direction approaching each other (direction B), the sliding movement is stopped by hitting a central stopper 11 fixed to the frame 2.

[0050] The interlocking means 6 interlocks the movements of the first output portion 3 and the second output portion 4. In the centering mechanism 21 of the embodiment, the interlocking means 6 includes a first wire 6D, a second wire 6E, a first pulley 6F, a second pulley 6G, a connecting member 6H, and a support portion 6I.

[0051] The first wire 6D has one end 6Da connected to the first output section 3 and the other end 6Db connected to the connecting member 6H. The second wire 6E has one end 6Ea connected to the second output section 4 and the other end 6Eb connected to the connecting member 6H. The first pulley 6F contacts the first wire 6D at a midpoint and applies tension to the first wire 6D while guiding the movement of the one end 6Da and the other end 6Db of the first wire 6D. The second pulley 6G contacts the second wire 6E at a midpoint and applies tension to the second wire 6E while guiding the movement of the one end 6Ea and the other end 6Eb of the second wire 6E. The connecting member 6H connects the other end 6Db of the first output section 3 and the other end 6Eb of the second wire 6E. The support 6I is a rod-shaped member extending from a central stopper 11 fixed to the frame 2, and supports the connecting member 6H so as to be slidable in the direction of its extension.

[0052] The biasing portion 5 biases the first output portion 3 and the second output portion 4 to move in one direction or the other relative to each other. In the centering mechanism 1 of the embodiment, the biasing portion 5 biases both the first output portion 3 and the second output portion 4 to move in the other direction (direction B). The biasing portion 5 is configured as a compression coil spring provided so that the support portion 6I is inserted therein. The biasing portion 5 is provided on the support portion 6I and biases the stopper 11 and the connecting member 6H in directions away from each other.

[0053] Therefore, the biasing unit 5 pulls the other end 6Db of the first wire 6D and the other end 6Eb of the second wire 6E via the connecting member 6H, and biases both the first output unit 3 and the second output unit 4 to move in the other direction (direction B). In this way, the interlocking means 6 cooperates with the biasing unit 5 to interlock the movements of the first output unit 3 and the second output unit 4. Furthermore, when the first output unit 3 and the second output unit 4 attempt to move in one direction (direction A), the interlocking means 6 moves the connecting member 6H along the support unit 6I so as to compress the biasing unit 5 via the first wire 6D and the second wire 6E, thereby moving both the first output unit 3 and the second output unit 4 in one direction (direction A).

[0054] The regulating means 7 is configured as a bush 7D as a braking part. The bush 7D is provided integrally with the connecting member 6H. The connecting member 6H is provided so as to protrude on both sides of the bush 7D, and the first wire 6D and the second wire 6E are connected to each protruding end. The bush 7D is provided so as to insert the support part 6I. As a result, the bush 7D is provided so as to be movable along the support part 6I together with the connecting member 6H. The bush 7D is provided so that its inner circumferential surface 7Da has a gap with respect to the outer circumferential surface of the support part 6I. That is, the bush 7D is provided by inserting the support part 6I with play. This bush 7D is, for example, an oil-free bush, which has a relatively large gap without a rolling element. Such a bush 7D corresponds to sliding in both the axial direction in which the support part 6I extends and the rotational direction around the support part 6I, but because the gap is relatively large, when a moment load is received, the end of the inner circumferential surface 7Da bites into the outer circumferential surface of the support part 6I, generating a frictional force. The bushing 7D, which is the restricting means 7, restricts the movement of the first output portion 3 and the second output portion 4 via the connecting member 6H, the first wire 6D, and the second wire 6E by being engaged with the support portion 6I.

[0055] 9, when there is a difference in the amount of movement between the first output section 3 and the second output section 4 and the second output section 4 moves excessively in one direction (direction A), one end of the second wire 6E and the connecting member 6H is pulled strongly, causing the bush 7D to tilt and get caught in the support section 6I. That is, a moment load is generated in the bush 7D, and the second output section 4 cannot move any further in the direction in which the difference in the amount of movement increases.

[0056] Thereafter, the bush 7D is released from being caught in the support portion 6I by the restoring force of the biasing portion 5. As a result, the movement amounts of the first output portion 3 and the second output portion 4 become equal, and the first output portion 3 can also move in one direction (direction A) as shown in Fig. 10. Through this series of operations, the movement amounts of the first output portion 3 and the second output portion 4 are passively controlled and made equal.

[0057] 11 is configured such that a plurality of first pulleys 6F and a plurality of second pulleys 6G (two in this embodiment) are provided in the interlocking means 6. This centering mechanism 21' sets the stroke of movement between the first output portion 3 and the second output portion 4 and the bush 7D to 2:1, thereby increasing the movable amount of the first output portion 3 and the second output portion 4.

[0058] The above-described centering mechanisms 21, 21' are applied to a conveying device 51 as shown in FIGS.

[0059] As described above, the centering mechanism 21, 21' of the embodiment includes a first output section 3 and a second output section 4 that are movably arranged in one direction and the other, a biasing section 5 that biases the first output section 3 and the second output section 4 to move in one direction or the other relative to each other, a linking means 6 that links the movements of the first output section 3 and the second output section 4, and a regulating means 7 that regulates the movement of either the first output section 3 or the second output section 4 by friction when the movement is excessive.

[0060] According to the centering mechanisms 21, 21', when the movement of either the first output section 3 or the second output section 4 is excessive, the movement is restricted by friction, thereby passively controlling and equalizing the biased positions of the first output section 3 and the second output section 4. As a result, the centering mechanisms 1, 1' of the embodiments can passively change the load so that the two outputs are equal, and therefore can passively perform centering through interaction with the transported object, without using an actuator or a control device.

[0061] In addition, in the centering mechanisms 21, 21' of the embodiments, the interlocking means 6 includes a first wire 6D having one end 6Da connected to the first output section 3 and a first pulley 6F that guides the first wire 6D, a second wire 6E having one end 6Ea connected to the second output section 4 and a second pulley 6G that guides the second wire 6E, a connecting member 6H to which the other ends 6Db, 6Eb of the first wire 6D and the second wire 6E are connected, and a rod-shaped support portion 6I that supports the connecting member 6H so that it can slide, and the regulating means 7 includes a bush (braking portion) 7D that applies a frictional force to the movement of the connecting member 6H when it comes into contact with the support portion 6I.

[0062] The centering mechanisms 21, 21' can achieve the functions of linking the two outputs and restricting the movement of either output by friction when the movement is excessive.

[0063] Moreover, the centering mechanisms 21, 21' of the embodiment include a plurality of first pulleys 6F and a plurality of second pulleys 6G.

[0064] According to the centering mechanisms 21, 21', the amount of movement of the first output portion 3 and the second output portion 4 can be increased.

[0065] Furthermore, the conveying device 51 of the embodiment is provided with the centering mechanisms 21, 21', so that the article 50 can be passively guided to the center C and conveyed. [Explanation of symbols]

[0066] 1,1',21,21' Centering mechanism 3 First output section 4 Second output section 5. Pressurizing section 6 Linkage means 6A First rack tooth 6B Second rack tooth 6C Pinion Gear 6D First Wire 6Da one end 6Db other end 6E Second Wire 6Ea one end 6Eb other end 6F First pulley 6G second pulley 6H Connecting member 6I Support part 7. Regulatory measures 7A Support shaft 7B Braking part 7D Bush (braking part) 50 Transported goods 51 Transport device 52,53 Guide member 54 Transport Path

Claims

1. A first output section and a second output section that are movably provided to one side and the other side; A biasing portion that biases the first output portion and the second output portion so as to move them in one direction or the other direction relative to each other; an interlocking means for interlocking movements of the first output unit and the second output unit; a restricting means for restricting the movement of either the first output portion or the second output portion by friction when the movement of the either one of the first output portion or the second output portion is excessive; A centering mechanism including:

2. the interlocking means includes first rack teeth provided on the first output portion, second rack teeth provided on the second output portion and opposed to and parallel to the first rack teeth, and a pinion gear meshing with the first rack teeth and the second rack teeth, the regulating means includes a support shaft portion that allows the pinion gear to rotate and slide in association with sliding movement of the first rack teeth and the second rack teeth, and a braking portion that applies a frictional force to the pinion gear when the pinion gear slides and comes into contact with the support shaft portion.

2. The centering mechanism of claim 1.

3. The centering mechanism according to claim 2 , further comprising a plurality of units each including the pinion gear, the support shaft portion, and the brake portion.

4. the interlocking means includes a first wire having one end connected to the first output portion and a first pulley that guides the first wire, a second wire having one end connected to the second output portion and a second pulley that guides the second wire, a connecting member to which the other ends of the first wire and the second wire are connected, and a rod-shaped support portion that supports the connecting member slidably, The restricting means includes a braking portion that applies a frictional force to the movement of the connecting member when the braking portion comes into contact with the support portion.

2. The centering mechanism of claim 1.

5. The centering mechanism of claim 4 comprising a plurality of said first pulleys and said second pulleys.

6. A centering mechanism according to any one of claims 1 to 5; A conveying path for conveying an object to be conveyed; a guide member attached to the first output portion and the second output portion of the centering mechanism and provided so as to be able to come into contact with the transported object on both sides of the transport path; A conveying device comprising:

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